Synod of Russian Church Abroad hails visit of its head to Russia
05.05.2004, 19.54
MOSCOW, May 5 (Itar-Tass) - The Hierarchical Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad in New-York hails the upcoming visit of Metropolitan Lavr to Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad said in a statement transmitted to Itar-Tass on Wednesday.
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad is expected to visit Russia on May 14 on the invitation of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia.
The goal of the visit “is to make acquaintance with life of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Moscow Patriarchate and to meet his Eminence Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia and members of the Sacred Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate,” the statement says.
Metropolitan Lavr and Patriarch Alexy II are expected to meet on May 18.
The delegation intends to set out on a pilgrimage to Russia’s holy places. The delegation will visit Kursk that is the cradle of the most ancient shrine of the Russian Church – the wonderworking Kursk Icon of Our Lady of the Sign and where Seraphim of Sarov, Saint (1759-1833), Russian monk, ascetic, and spiritual counselor, who followed the contemplative tradition of ancient Eastern Christian hesychast monks was born and brought up.
The delegation is expected to visit Sarov and Diveyevo and Yekaterinburg – the execution place of the last Russian emperor and his family.
Shortly after Metropolitan Lavr’s visit the commissions of the two churches are expected to begin discussions on problems that hamper unity of the two parts of the Russian Church – the Church Abroad and the Mother Church in Russia.
The Synod ordered to deliver the chest with holy relics of Venerable Martyrs Elizabeth and Barbara on the request of representatives of the Fund of Apostle Andrew the First Called that brokered an international programme due in Moscow in honour of the Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth and the Martha and Maria monastery that she founded 95 years ago.
The first step towards rapprochement of the two churches was taken in November 2003 when a delegation of the Church Abroad visited Russia and the two parties found common stances on many problems